Oxfords
plural noun

- a type of leather dress shoe with closed lacing and a low heel, often worn in formal or business settings (nowadays by both men and women)

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WORD ORIGIN

Oxfords evolved from the Oxonian, a half-boot with side slits that gained popularity at Oxford University in 1800.

Also named "Bal-type” (after Balmoral Castle) as opposed to “Blucher-type” (after the 18th century Prussian field marshal). In France, Oxfords are known as Richelieu.

Originally, Oxfords were plain, formal shoes, made of leather, but they evolved into a range of styles suitable for formal, uniform, or casual wear.

On the basis of function and the dictates of fashion, Oxfords are now made from a variety of materials, including calf leather, faux and genuine patent leather, suede, and canvas. They are normally black or brown, and may be plain or patterned (brogue).

BTW, the word “Oxford” is of Old English origin—from the Old English words Oxenaforda or Oxnaford, which literally means “ford of the oxen”. The name referred to a shallow crossing point on the River Thames where oxen could cross the river. The town of Oxford, located in the southeast of England, grew up around this crossing point, and the name gradually came to be associated with the town and its university.

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HOW TO BE AN “OXFORD” EXPERT

Besides relating to (1) a person or thing associated with Oxford or Oxford University, or (2) a particular shoe-type, the word “Oxford” is involved in:

(3) The Oxfordian (stage) = a geological time interval in the Jurassic period, roughly 160 million years ago.

(4) Oxford cloth = a type of woven cotton fabric typically used for dress shirts or other formal clothing, its “basket-weave” structure lending it a lustrous appearance.

(5) The Oxford vaccine = a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca—approved for use in many countries around the world.

(6) The Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare authorship = the view that Edward de Vere wrote under Shakespeare’s name: https://owad.de/word/oxfordians/

(7) The Oxford comma debate = a comma used before the conjunction in a list of three or more items, often considered optional in English language usage:https://owad.de/word/oxford-comma/edit

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

“If you’re interested in elegant footwear, browse around Amazon UK for OXFORDS for both men and women.”

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